Terror attack which left five injured in Edmonton was work of a single suspect, say Canadian authorities
A car and knife attack on a police officer and a high-speed chase of a moving van that left four people injured appear to be the work of a single suspected terrorist, Canadian authorities said.
Edmonton police chief Rod Knecht said officers took the suspect, later described as a 30-year-old Edmonton man, into custody and he is believed to have acted alone.
Mr Knecht said an Islamic State group flag was found in the car that hit the officer, and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau called it a terror attack.
"To the best of our knowledge, this was a lone wolf attack," Edmonton mayor Don Iveson said.
The incident took place outside a Canadian Football League game at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday night.
Police released video showing a white Chevrolet Malibu ramming into a police officer standing in front of his cruiser.
Our thoughts are with our friends in Edmonton as they deal with last night's events. We know a city with such strength will come together to heal.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) October 1, 2017
The officer was sent flying in the air while the Malibu crashes into the police car.
The driver then gets out and appears to stab the officer.
"Seeing the video is very upsetting because of the level of violence and level of intent," Mr Iveson said.
Mr Knecht said the suspect fled on foot after stabbing the officer.
The officer was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries while a manhunt was launched, and Mr Knecht said his condition was "not critical".
All of our thoughts, love and support are with our brothers and sisters in Edmonton today. https://t.co/5o32YBVDqp
— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) October 1, 2017
A few hours later, a U-Haul van was stopped at an impaired driving checkpoint north of downtown, on Wayne Gretzky Drive.
Mr Knecht said the name of the driver was similar to the name of the registered owner of the car that hit the officer.
He said the van then sped off toward downtown with police in pursuit.
Police say the vehicle swerved at pedestrians at crosswalks throughout the chase.
Four people were hurt, but the extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
Saddened and outraged by the terror attack in Edmonton. My first thoughts are with the injured, praying they all make full recoveries. 1/2
— Andrew Scheer (@AndrewScheer) October 1, 2017
The van eventually flipped near a downtown hotel and the suspect was arrested.
Mr Knecht said the man was known to police but did not release his name.
"It is believed at this time that these two incidents are related," Mr Knecht said.
"It was determined that these incidents are being investigated as acts of terrorism."
Mr Knecht said Edmonton police were working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's national security enforcement team and other Canadian security agencies.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and observant of their surroundings.
An attack on an Canadian police officer and a high-speed chase of a van that left four people injured in Edmonton are being investigated as acts of terrorism.
Edmonton police chief Rod Knecht said that officers have one man in custody and they think he acted alone.
Mr Knecht said an Islamic State group flag was found in the car that hit the officer.
The attack began outside a Canadian Football League game at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday night when police say a white Chevrolet Malibu rammed a traffic control barricade and sent an officer flying into the air.
Mr Knecht said the driver, believed to be 30 years old, then got out and attacked the officer with a knife before fleeing on foot.
The officer was taken to hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries while a manhunt was launched.
A few hours later, a U-Haul van was stopped at an impaired driving check on Wayne Gretzky Drive.
Mr Knecht said the name of the driver was close to the name of the registered owner of the car that hit the officer.
He said the van then sped off with police in pursuit.
Police said the driver intentionally swerved at pedestrians throughout the chase. Four people were injured by the van, but the extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
The van eventually flipped over near a hotel and a suspect was arrested. Mr Knecht said the man was known to police but did not release his name.
"It is believed at this time that these two incidents are related," he said. "It was determined that these incidents are being investigated as acts of terrorism."
Mr Knecht said Edmonton police are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's National Security Enforcement Team and other Canadian security agencies.
Alberta premier Rachel Notley said on Twitter that her thoughts are with the injured officer and she is hoping for a speedy recovery.
